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BISMARCK — The Democratic candidate for governor called Monday for a full review of North Dakota's oil impact grant program after state auditors found the five-member board that oversees it — currently all Republicans — awarded grants to some recipients who appeared to be ineligible.

BISMARCK — Gov. Jack Dalrymple on Thursday directed the head of the state's Department of Trust Lands to make dozens of changes recommended in recent critical audits, whether the agency agrees with them or not.

BISMARCK -- Unflattering audits of North Dakota's Department of Trust Lands sparked heated words Thursday from state Land Commissioner Lance Gaebe, the lead auditor and a member of the legislative committee that ordered the audits, who told Gaebe, "I don't accept the excuses."

BISMARCK — Still bruised from two critical audits in February, the state Department of Trust Lands took another clubbing Tuesday in a broader performance audit that found employees crossed ethical lines by accepting free meals and drinks from investment firms managing state assets. The state auditor's office also uncovered trusts assigned to the wrong tracts of land, resulting in mineral royalty payments and investment income going to the wrong trusts.

BISMARCK — Sponsors of a proposed ballot measure aimed at full legalization of marijuana in North Dakota and a separate measure to legalize medical marijuana are looking for a lift from "4/20" events planned in several cities Wednesday, the unofficial "National Weed Day."

BISMARCK -- Mild spring weather has set road construction in motion earlier than usual in North Dakota, and more money will be spent on highways and bridges than last year despite recent budget cuts to the state Department of Transportation. The department has $680 million in work planned for this construction season, up from $615 million last year, spokeswoman Jamie Olson said Monday. While the orange cones won't be as widespread as in 2013 and 2014, which each saw about $820 million in work, "It's still a pretty big construction program," she said.